China trip planned

Get ready, China.

North Idaho is paying a visit.

The Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls chambers of commerce are working together to arrange a nine-day tour of China this fall, with hopes of introducing local entrepreneurs to international business opportunities.

"It's important to recognize China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world," said Todd Christensen, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber. "The virtue of participating in this trip is to gain a greater understanding of the Chinese culture and the opportunities available."

Also open to individuals outside the chamber membership, the trip is also just a rare life experience, Christensen added.

"It's a chance to become familiar with the culture, people and places," he said.

The tour will include visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. The North Idaho group will take in sites like the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Emperor Tombs and the Summer Palace in Beijing. They will also visit Chinese businesses like a pearl farm, jade factory, silk factory and green tea plantation.

Christensen, who has led similar trips during his tenure with a Washington chamber, said this tour will be just in time to catch the World Expo in Shanghai.

The trip is scheduled for this October, with two available departure dates of Oct. 9 or Oct. 18.

Total cost is $1,899, which includes airfare, 5- and 4-star hotel accommodations, three daily meals, bus transportation, tour guides and entrances to attractions.

"It's a very reasonable package," Christensen said.

The trip is provided by Citslinc International, Inc., out of Monterey, Calif., which has been organizing such familiarization trips for 25 years.

The chambers will hold several informational meetings on the trip, the first from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on May 17 at the Post Falls Chamber, and another at the same time May 19 at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber.

Individuals should reserve seats by calling Ginger Dalvini with the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber at 415-0108, or Pam Houser with the Post Falls Chamber at 773-5016.

Additional information in posted at www.CdAChamber.com.

"From an individual standpoint, it's a great way to have a deeper understanding and experience with the Chinese culture," Christensen said. "And it broadens our understanding of the global economy we live and operate in."